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  A Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) – or “stand-alone prescription drug plan” – is one of two main ways Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in Medicare coverage for prescription drugs.

The Medicare Part D benefit is offered through private insurers, either as a stand-alone Part D plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage plan that has prescription drug benefits (MAPD). In 2021, 996 PDPs will be offered across the 34 PDP regions nationwide (excluding the territories). This represents an increase of 48 PDPs from 2020 (a 5% increase) and an increase of 250 plans (a 34% increase) since 2017.

A PDP can be purchased by beneficiaries with Original Medicare coverage (with or without a Medigap plan) and – in some cases –by Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries who don’t have a prescription drug benefit included in their MA plan.

The only way to obtain a prescription drug plan is through private insurance companies.

Medicare Advantage plans (MAPD) include prescription drug coverage.

You can also purchase a stand-alone prescription drug plan if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Supplement or Private Fee for Service Plan (PFFS).

Your first opportunity to enroll in Part D is when you’re initially eligible for Medicare.

If you select Medicare Advantage, you can have Medicare A, B, C, & D all in the same plan.

In most cases, enrollment outside of your initial enrollment period (IEP) is limited to an annual enrollment period (AEP).

Not obtaining a drug plan when initially eligible could result in a penalty.

Original Medicare does not cover prescriptions. 

Q/A

How do I enroll in part “D”?

You can enroll in Part ‘D” during your Initial Election Period (IEP). 

Who can help me enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan?

Call 1-800-297-8057 now to discuss your Part D coverage options with a licensed professional. You can also call an insurance company directly but they will only sell their plan options.

What if I miss my opportunity to enroll in a prescription drug plan?

If you did not enroll in prescription drug plan when first eligible, a late enrollment penalty will be added. This penalty does Not apply if you delayed your enrollment and had credible coverage through an employer sponsored plan.